Device for selected deployment of a tire deflator

ABSTRACT

A device for stopping an approaching target vehicle by deflating the vehicle’s tires. The device has a scissor-like extendable and retractable construction with upward facing spikes. After deployment, the deflator may be retracted automatically and/or by the push of a button. The deflator can be stored in the enclosure to which it is attached. The deflator is extended by pushing a central hinge of the scissor construction forward, almost completely out of the enclosure. The propulsion means is actuated by a compressed gas capsule, preferably carbon dioxide, and an air cylinder with a linear movable piston connected to the deflator. The gas capsule releases gas under pressure to the air cylinder and moves the piston in a first direction, thereby extending the deflator. By leading compressed gas of the gas capsule to the opposite side of the cylinder, the piston moves in the opposite direction and the deflator is retracted.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to devices for stopping vehicles by deflatingtires thereof, and more particularly to devices for storing andautomatically deploying tire deflators.

2. Prior Art

Currently, devices are available to deflate the tires of a motor vehicleby placing a device with upward facing metal spikes in the path of thevehicle. There are multiple applications and situations in which such adevice may be used. Law enforcement officers and security guards may usethe device as a deterrent or to actually stop or slow down targetvehicles.

Hereafter publications are discussed which disclose such devices.

U.S. Pat. Application No. 13/405,252 by Ethan Spencer et al. issummarized as tire deflation device capable of being remotely operatedto extend and retract a spike assembly into the path of a vehicle todeflate one or more of its tires. An embodiment includes aself-contained supply of pressurized air that is in communication withan actuator that operatively extends and retracts the spike assemblybased on a signal received from a wireless remote control. By pullingopposite extending ends of a scissor-like construction by an actuator ina perpendicular direction relatively to the extension direction of theassembly, the assembly is extended. The actuator is powered by a fluid.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,950 by Donald Kilgrow is summarized as vehicle tiredeflator that is foldable and can be deployed by pushing it or pullingit to an extended attitude across at least one full traffic lane.

Other devices using spikes or the like are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,330,285 and 5,820,293.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,527,475 by David F. Lowrie is summarized as a system forthe selective deployment of a tire deflation device. The systemincorporates the use of a mounted housing combined with a compressed gaspropulsion source for ejecting a collapsed tire deflation device that isattached to the housing with a tether line. The device is tethered so asto limit the distance it will travel from the housing.

These and similar devices are either deployed by hand or they are storedin a housing (enclosure) after deployment by hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a solution for automaticallydeploy and retract a tire deflator. It is a further object to provide adevice which is mobile, relatively light weighted and compact. It is yeta further object to provide a device which is easy to handle and safeand reliable to use.

The object is realized by the present invention and its embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures show views of embodiments in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview of the activation mechanism of thedevice.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the device with a retracted deflator.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the cylinder of the pneumatic actuator ina retracted state of the deflator.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the cylinder of the pneumatic actuator inan at least partially extended state of the deflator.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the device with an at least partiallyextended deflator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is now described by the following aspects and embodiments,with reference to the figures. Hereinafter embodiments are listed.

-   1. In a first aspect, the invention comprises a device for deflating    tires, the device configured for being activated selectively, the    device comprising:    -   a deflator configured as an extendable and retractable        scissor-like construction configured with upward facing spikes,        and which, when in a retracted state, is configured for being        stored in an enclosure, and when in an extended state, is        configured for covering a part of a road;    -   an actuator configured for automatically extending the deflator;    -   the enclosure configured for receiving and storing the deflator        in a retracted state;    -   propulsion means configured for pushing the deflator out of the        enclosure;    -   means for selectively actuating the propulsion means, wherein        the pushing out of the deflator of the enclosure is performed by        an extending scissor movement which lengthens the deflator in a        direction away from the enclosure,    -   the propulsion means comprises a pneumatic actuator with a        compressed gas capsule and a linear air cylinder having a linear        movable piston with a rod connected to the deflator, whereby the        gas capsule is configured to release gas under pressure to the        linear air cylinder and move the piston in a first direction,        said piston thereby extending the deflator,

    wherein the propulsion means comprises a manifold and a first    control valve which, upon opening, is configured to control the    direction of the released gas from the gas capsule in the first    direction towards the back of the cylinder, said piston thereby    extending the deflator, and which comprises a second control valve    which, upon opening, is configured to control the direction of the    released gas from the gas capsule in a second direction towards the    front of the cylinder, said piston thereby retracting the deflator.-   2. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the cylinder is    positioned above the deflator in longitudinal direction relatively    to the direction of the deflator when extended, whereby the piston’s    rod is connected to a central hinge of the deflator and configured    for pushing the hinge forward and outward of the enclosure to extend    the deflator, and whereby the piston’s rod is configured for pulling    the hinge back into the enclosure to retract the deflator.-   3. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the first and    second control valves are controlled by a control unit comprised in    the device.-   4. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the device    comprises a propellant cartridge assembly configured for receiving    the compressed gas capsule, whereby the gas capsule comprises a    replaceable compressed gas capsule with a gas outlet connected to a    pressure regulator which controllably leads the gas further to    conduits leading to the cylinder.-   5. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the gas capsule is    a carbon dioxide capsule with carbon dioxide stored in a solid    state, the capsule being sealed by a seal, said seal configured for    being punctured by a puncture device in the propellant cartridge    assembly.-   6. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the pressure of the    release of the carbon dioxide from the capsule is regulated by a    pressure reducing valve.-   7. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the pressure is    adjustable from 0 bar to a maximum allowable system pressure by a    controllable pressure reducing valve.-   8. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the pressure is    adjustable from 5 to 10 bar by a controllable pressure reducing    valve.-   9. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the pressure is    stepless adjustable.-   10. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the pressure    reducing valve is controlled by the control unit.-   11. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the control unit    comprises a receiver configured for being controlled remotely by a    remote control-   12. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the control unit    comprises a Global Positioning System, GPS module configured for    determining the geographic location of the device.-   13. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the control unit    comprises modules of the group comprising:    -   a counter for counting the number of expansions of the deflator;    -   a counter for counting the times that gas is released from the        gas capsule;    -   a counter for keeping track of successful and/or unsuccessful        deflations of tires as detected by sensors in the deflator;    -   a timer for counting the duration of the deflator in extended        state    -   a timer for counting the time of the device being in operation        from the last time of maintenance and/or replacement of the gas        capsule.    -   a memory for storing the counted data    -   a software module for running software configured for processing        the data.    -   an image recognition module configured for recognizing the        approach of a target vehicle.-   14. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the device    comprises a wireless communication module configured for wirelessly    communicating with an external system configured for wireless    communication.-   15. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the wireless    communication module comprises a short-range wireless communication    module, such as a Bluetooth module.-   16. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the software is    configured for constructing a status of the device as processed from    the data, whereby the status and/or the data are communicated to the    external system by the wireless communication module, when a status    change is detected which fulfills a predetermined condition.-   17. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the software    module of the control unit comprises a mobile communication module    for communicating over a cellular telecommunication network with a    central server, whereby the software module is configured for being    updated with new software over the air via the cellular    telecommunication network.-   18. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the control unit    is configured for communicating the status via the mobile    communication module to the central server, said status comprising    any one of the group comprising:    -   an operation status, such as duration of operation or number of        actuations;    -   a failure status, such as a failure code or a failure        description and severity or urgency level;    -   a maintenance status, such as maintenance required within a        certain calculated period.-   19. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the external    system is configured for simultaneously communicating with multiple    devices which are configured according to the invention, whereby the    multiple devices each comprises a wireless communication module and    are configured for receiving a command for activation of the device.-   20. An embodiment of the invented device, wherein the device is    configured for being armed pending an activation command.

Summarizing, the invention comprises a device for stopping anapproaching target vehicle by deflating the vehicle’s tires. The devicehas a scissor-like extendable and retractable construction with upwardfacing spikes. The deflator is extended to cover a part of a road. Afterdeployment, the deflator may be retracted automatically and/or by thepush of a button. The deflator can be stored in the enclosure to whichit is attached. The deflator is extended by pushing a central hinge ofthe scissor construction forward, almost completely out of theenclosure. The propulsion means is actuated by a compressed gas capsule,preferably carbon dioxide, and an air cylinder with a linear movablepiston connected to the deflator. The gas capsule releases gas underpressure to the air cylinder and moves the piston in a first direction,thereby extending the deflator. By leading compressed gas of the gascapsule to the opposite side of the cylinder, the piston moves in theopposite direction and the deflator is retracted.

The propulsion means comprises a first control valve which, uponopening, is configured to control the direction of the released gas fromthe gas capsule in the first direction towards the back of the cylinder,said piston thereby extending the deflator, and which comprises a secondcontrol valve which, upon opening, is configured to control thedirection of the released gas from the gas capsule in a second directiontowards the front of the cylinder, said piston thereby retracting thedeflator.

The cylinder is powered by a compressed gas capsule, whereby the gas isreleased in a controlled manner towards a piston in the cylinder whichis connected to the scissor-like deflator. By using a compressed gascapsule, a rapid deployment (i.e. extension of the scissor-likedeflator) is possible. The fast expansion is often desired to preventthat an approaching vehicle has sufficient time to break and deviatefrom its path and miss the deflator, or to turn around and get away.Rapid deployment also enables precise timing of the deployment of thedevice. An operator (typically, a law enforcer) who is anticipating e.g.a stolen car or a car with a suspected lawbreaker (a so-called “targetvehicle”) involved in a close pursuit by a police car, waits for theright moment to activate the mechanism which deploys the deflator. Thedevice may be hidden away at the side of the road, and when the targetvehicle has approached sufficiently close to not being able to avoid thedevice, the device may be rapidly activated, and the deflator deployed.The stolen car will then pass over the extended deflator, and theupright facing spikes o the device will subsequently deflate one or moreof the vehicle’s tires.

Gas capsules are sealed and contained in a propellant cartridge assemblyuntil armed by the operator. This extends standby time to the limits ofthe power supply and or charging source i.e. Police vehicle. Preferably,easily available and standard dimensioned capsules with solidpressurized carbon dioxide may be used in the invented device. Whenopening the capsule by a control valve, the solid carbon dioxide in thecapsule changes into a gaseous state (in a sublimation process) at anear explosive speed and force. To harness the power of the releasedgas, a pressure release valve may be incorporated in a conduit leadingthe gas from the capsule to the cylinder. Alternatively, capsules withother kinds of gases may be used, such as nitrous oxide. Using gascapsules is preferable, because the invented device is preferablydesigned for being portable and mobile. This makes it possible to deploythe device virtually anywhere, where there is a chance that a targetvehicle passes. Gas capsules are light weighted, and the device isdesigned such that the capsules are easily replaceable.

The use of gas capsules has a downside, in that the gas capsules delivera high pressure to the mechanism as long as there is sufficientcompressed gas in the capsule. Unavoidably, the gas capsules will runempty at a point in time. For maintaining a minimum pressure, sufficientgas is needed. The invention proposes to incorporate a manometer (alsoknown as pressure gauge) which is configured for measuring expansionpressure of the released gas. When the pressure falls below apredetermined threshold, this is visible for the operator.Alternatively, or additionally, a signaling or indicating module may beconfigured which, upon a pressure drop below the threshold, may providea warning or indication which is visible, audible or which is wirelesslycommunicated to an external device or central server. When the pressureis too low, indicating that the gas capsule is (near) empty, an operatormay exchange the empty gas capsule for a new full one. Typically a smallgas capsule will provide for 4-6 actions (i.e. releases of gas).Alternatively, or additionally a counter may be configured which countsthe number of activations. Reaching a certain number of activations willthen lead to a warning or signaling similar to the warning/signalingsystem as described above.

The time it takes to fully extract the deflator is more or lessconstant. The time in which the gas capsule is opened for release of thegas is set as to be sufficient for fully extending the deflator.

A further improvement provided by the invented device, in comparisonwith existing solutions, comprises that the deflator is also retractedautomatically. Preferably for the retraction, the same gas capsule isused to power the cylinder. For the retraction action, the expanding gasis led to the opposite side of the cylinder to cause the piston in thecylinder to move in opposite direction relative to the expansion action.

Pneumatic actuator movement is in the same direction as the deflatorassembly movement resulting in less force being required completingextraction or retraction cycles.

The configuration of the conduits for the gas and the valves is suchthat an extension action of the deflator may be reversed into aretraction action.

One particular embodiment of the invention comprises a so-called shutterfunction. This is explained as follows. There are situations wherein asingle device is possibly less effective. One such situation is a wideroad width exceeds the length of the deflator when fully extended. When,for example, the deflator is extended to a length of 3 meter , andprovided that usually the device will be positioned at the side of aroad, and assuming that the road is 6 meters wide, the deflator willonly cover half of the road. An approaching targeted vehicle will havethe possibility to dodge the device covering the right side of the roadand evade to the left side of the road. Currently, this is solved bypositioning two devices, each at an opposite side of the road and eachdirected to the middle of the road. This, however, requires thatoperation of both devices is done synchronous, at least, when there is aneed for a surprise- or precisely timed activation of the device.

Current devices are operated manually, thereby relying on goodcommunication between the operators of both devices. The presentinvention proposes to incorporate a (preferably wireless) communicationmodule which makes it possible to let a first device communicate withone or more other devices. When e.g. two devices are set in “shuttermode”, the activation of the first device will automatically activatethe second device. For this purpose software running on the first devicewill activate a control unit in the first device which activates thefirst device and at the same time the software may generate a signalwhich is sent by a transceiver in the first device to a transceiver ofthe second device. This signal is then received by the transceiver ofthe second device and processed by software running on the second devicewhich activates a control unit configured for activating the seconddevice. The delay between both activations will be minimized in this wayand a solid impenetrable barrier is created for the target vehicle.

By pairing multiple devices and set them in shutter mode, the multipledevices may be activated all at once in the way described above. Atypical situation, where this may be useful comprise a (total) closingoff of an area, such as a stretch of road, a parking lot, or aresidential area.

A further improvement comprises that the device may be armed by othersystems, devices, or persons than the operator of the device himself, orby the operator. Arming the device may be useful to prepare the devicefor deployment, to switch the power on and/or to be set in a mode toreceive a deployment command. Arming the device may for example be(autonomously) performed by a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor maybe incorporated in the enclosure of the device facing approachingtraffic. The proximity sensor may also be a separate module which may beplaced at a distance from the device, e.g. placed forward towards theapproaching traffic. As such a kind of advanced warning system may becreated which alerts the operator for an approach of a vehicle andprepare the device for activation.

Arming may also be done by a central server, or by a second device whichis positioned and activated further up the road, when the target vehiclepasses the second device, and the second device was (in the unlikelycase) not successful in fully stopping the vehicle.

Arming may also be done when the approaching vehicle is recognized asthe target vehicle. An image sensor may be collocated with the device,or placed at a distance from the device (such as configured in a policevehicle). The image sensor captures images of an approaching vehicle,whereby the images are processed and possibly identified as indicatingthe approach of a target vehicle. This identification will then lead toa warning of the operator and./or arming of the device. When the deviceis armed, this may be indicated by a light signal on the device for theoperator to be alerted.

Image recognition may be based on or integrated in an Automatic NumberPlate Recognition (ANPR) system, using CCTV camera’s which are alreadyinstalled next to or above roads where a target vehicle may move. Usingthe optional wireless transceiver of the invented device, a positiveidentification may be communicated to the device (and/or to theoperator).

FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview of the activation mechanism of thedevice 100, whereby a propellant cartridge assembly 101 comprises areceiving unit configured for receiving a cartridge (i.e. a capsule)which is filled with a substance which, when released is expandedrapidly into a gaseous state. Preferably a carbon dioxide filled capsuleis used as explained above. The receiving unit further comprisesmechanisms for arming, reloading and depressurization. The activationmechanism further comprises that the expanded gas is led through aconduit (151) to a pressure regulator 102 configured for reducingpressure from propellant cartridge assembly 101 to a required systemmaximum working pressure. Pressure regulator 102 preferably includes apressure gauge to indicate system pressurization. The Pressure gaugefacilitates that an operator is able to check the system pressure. Toolittle pressure (indicated by a needle, or any other indicator) willwarn the operator that either the capsule needs to be replaced, or thereis a pressure leak somewhere in the device. Pressure regulator 102further includes an overpressure protection device that vents pressureto atmosphere in case of overpressure conditions in propellant cartridgeassembly 101.

From pressure regulator 102, the expanding gas is led by conduit 152 toan operator safety valve mechanism 103 that will vent system pressuredownstream of the valve to the atmosphere in case of an operator openingthe enclosure. The enclosure is equipped with e.g. a switch to activatesafety valve 103. System pressure upstream of the valve is maintainedwith the purpose of quick return to operating conditions afterretraction of the deflator and closing of the enclosure.

Valve mechanism 103 is preferably directly connected to or comprised ina valve manifold 104 which diverts the gas through conduits 153 a,brespectively, to either separate actuator activation solenoid valve 105a or 105 b (i.e. control valves). Actuator activation valves 105 a,bvent downstream pressure to atmosphere when not actuated.

Either through conduits 154 a or 154 b, actuator activation valve 105 a,respectively 105 b leads the expanded gas to quick exhaust valves 106a,b respectively. Preferably exhaust valves 106 a,b are equipped with athrottle silencer to control extraction and retraction speed.

When gas arrives as selected at exhaust valve 106 a, the gas is in thiscase led through conduit 155 a to pneumatic actuator 120 which providesa linear motion to extend the deflator (i.e. the spike strip mechanism).When gas arrives as selected at exhaust valve 106 b the gas is in thiscase led through conduit 155 a to pneumatic actuator 120 which providesa linear motion to retract the deflator (i.e. the spike stripmechanism).

Pneumatic actuator 120 comprises a piston 121 with actuating rod 122connected. Piston 121 and rod 122 are freely movable in the cylinder ofpneumatic actuator 120. Actuation of the piston takes place in the rightdirection in the figure when gas arrives under pressure at intake 156 a.The expanded gas enters chamber 123, and pushes piston to the right inthe figure, causing rod 122 to move to the right in a linear motion. Rod122 is attached to the deflator and extends the scissor-likeconstruction. On the other hand, when the expanded gas arrives throughconduit 155 b at intake 156 b of pneumatic actuator 120, the gas enterschamber 124 and pushes piston 121 in the opposite direction (to the leftin the figure). Attached rod 122 then retracts the deflator. The linearforward- and backward directions of the piston are indicated by thearrow.

One of the innovative aspects of the present invention comprises thatthe device is very suitable for mobile operation and comprises severalsafety measures. The placement of pneumatic actuator 120, for exampleallows for a compact construction, whereby the deflator can be stored inan enclosure before and after expansion of the deflator. This providesfor a safe handling without the risk of an operator being hurt by thesharp spikes. The automatic operation (by the push of a button, or evencompletely autonomous) reduces the risk of erroneous operationconsiderably. For example, any other sequence but extraction followed byretraction is prevented by the control logic in the software module.Working with relatively high-pressured gas requires extra measurements,such as visual indication of gas pressure in the system, valves whichvent pressured gas, when the device is not in operation, and otherincorporation of safety measures, such as safety valves, which are allprovided for in the invented device. The mobility aspect is furtherprovided by the use of light weight, easily replaceable gas capsulesinstead of including a heavy air pressurized air device. Furthermore a(preferably) carbon dioxide capsule provides relatively high pressure(much higher, when compared to a similarly sized pressured air device),without the need of an external power source to build up the pressure.The preferably incorporated (rechargeable) battery of the inventeddevice needs therefore only be dedicated to powering the electronics andrunning of software, without the need to provide power for extension orretraction of the deflator.

A further advantage in comparison with a pressure device as actuator theoverall pressure is much higher anyway than a pressurized air device asused in the prior art. This allows for a rapid activation (as wellextension and retraction) of the device.

One particular aspect of the invented device comprises that theactivating cylinder (i.e. pneumatic actuator 120) is positioned inlongitudinal direction, i.e. the direction in which the deflator isextended and retracted. The first end of the deflator, being the endthat stays in or close to the enclosure is fixed (also to the pneumaticactivator for stability) , whereas the other end of the deflator isextended away from the enclosure. This movement is caused by rod 122which is brought into motion by piston 121 as a result of entering ofexpanding gas in chamber 123. Rod 122 is connected to a central hingepoint of the deflator, and the linear motion causes to narrowing andlengthening the deflator as is a result of the scissor-likeconstruction, and which motion is commonly known. By connecting rod 122to preferably the second hinge, and by configuring the pneumaticactivator 120 in longitudinal direction, a linear motion may be poweredwith a relatively or even substantially constant power (and torque)provided by the pneumatic actuator, as the scissor-like elements arepushed outward at the central hinge point in longitudinal direction.This configuration is very advantageous in comparison with aperpendicular configuration when force is exerted in perpendiculardirection, whereby extremes of the scissor-like elements are beingpulled towards each other. The latter requires a high force at the startof the extension motion, and an exponentially lower force as thedeflator extends. This would require a high torque at the beginning ofthe movement and a much lower torque at the end of the movement.Therefore a linear configuration provides much more control of thescissor motion than a device with a perpendicular configuration.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the device 100 with a retracted deflator200. Scissor-like segments are in retracted position, thereby savingmuch storing space in enclosure 130.Cylinder 120 is positioned abovedeflator 200 to save space as well. Deflator 200 is held in position inthe enclosure by hinge 201 which is rotatably connected to theenclosure. The partially extending rod 122 is connected to preferablythe second central hinge 202 of deflator 200. From tip 122 a, a bracket125 (as shown in FIG. 3 ) runs backwards to second hinge 203.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the cylinder 120 of the pneumatic actuatorin a retracted state of the deflator 200. Piston 121 is in the pushed inposition at the back of cylinder 120 leaving a chamber 123 at the backfor the expanded gas to enter. An inlet 156 a is provided for the gas.At the front of piston 122 a chamber is created for piston 122 to move.Rod 122 is connected to piston 121 and is able to move together withpiston 121. At the tip 122 a of rod 122 bracket 125 is connected, whichruns backwards and is connected to second hinge 202.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the cylinder 120 of the pneumatic actuatorin an at least partially extended state of the deflator 200. Whencompressed gas enters chamber 123 through inlet 156 a, the expanding gasforces piston to move (in the figure to the left). Rod 122 is thenpushed out of cylinder 120 and pulls hinge 202 of deflator 200 to theleft, thereby extending deflator 200 in longitudinal direction. After atleast partial extension of deflator 200, deflator 200 may be retractedfor storing in enclosure 130. This done by leading expanding gas throughinlet 156 in chamber 124. This forces piston 121 to move (to the rightin the figure). The forward and backward motion of piston 121 isindicated by the arrow.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the device 100 with an at least partiallyextended deflator 200. Cylinder 120 is positioned in the enclosure 130above deflator 200. Rod 122 is extended from cylinder 120 and hinge 202is connected to bracket 125 which is connected to tip 122 a of rod 122.The movement of the piston 120 and with it rod 122 backwards andforwards, is indicated by arrow 501. The extension and retraction motionof deflator 200 is indicated by arrow 502. By creating a relativelysmall motion 501, a relatively large motion 502 is created. This enablesa small format for an enclosure and deflator in stored position and alarge span for maximum road coverage.

The advantages of the invention are summed up as follows, without beinglimiting:

-   A controlled movement of the deflator with a constant force.-   A compact design with low weight (typically <17 kg), so it may be    carried by a single person.-   Compact dimensions which allows safe storage in a small enclosure.-   The use of commonly available and easily replaceable CO2 gas capsule    with pressure build-up, and adjustable reducer.-   CO2 gas capsules are sealed until the moment of deployment, which    allows for storage of the device for a long period, without losing    gas pressure.-   Protected against accidental activation.-   Several safety means, such as a system pressure relief through a    safety valve.-   Remote controllable by remote controller, whereby an operator may    operate the device at a safe distance.-   Position determination through integrated GPS module, for keeping    track of the locations where the device has been positioned and    operated, and for tracking the device when it is stolen, or lost.-   Multiple units can be activated simultaneously by means of pairing    with 1 remote control. This makes control of a larger area possible.-   Low power consumption, long standby time. The battery is not needed    for powering the deployment of the deflator.-   Fast commissioning procedure and rapid deployment.-   The spikes interchangeable after deployment, e.g. when broken or    stuck in the deflated tires.

The term “substantially” herein, such as in “substantially ...” etc.,will be understood by the person skilled in the art. In embodiments theadjective substantially may be removed. Where applicable, the term“substantially” may also include embodiments with “entirely”,“completely”, “all”, etc. Where applicable, the term “substantially” mayalso relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% orhigher, including 100%. The term “comprise” includes also embodimentswherein the term “comprises” means “consists of.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustraterather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art willbe able to design many alternative embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signsplaced between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.Use of the verb “to comprise” and its conjugations does not exclude thepresence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. Theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items. The article “a” or “an” preceding an elementdoes not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. Thearticle “the” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of aplurality of such elements. In the device claim enumerating severalmeans, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same itemof hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutuallydifferent dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of thesemeasures cannot be used to advantage.

What is claimed:
 1. A device for deflating tires, the device configuredfor being activated selectively, the device comprising: a deflatorconfigured as an extendable and retractable scissor-like constructionconfigured with upward facing spikes, and which, when in a retractedstate, is configured for being stored in an enclosure, and when in anextended state, is configured for covering a part of a road; an actuatorconfigured for automatically extending the deflator; the enclosureconfigured for receiving and storing the deflator in a retracted state;propulsion means configured for pushing the deflator out of theenclosure; means for selectively actuating the propulsion means, whereinthe pushing out of the deflator of the enclosure is performed by anextending scissor movement which lengthens the deflator in a directionaway from the enclosure, the propulsion means comprises a pneumaticactuator with a compressed gas capsule and a linear air cylinder havinga linear movable piston with a rod connected to the deflator, wherebythe gas capsule is configured to release gas under pressure to thelinear air cylinder and move the piston in a first direction, saidpiston thereby extending the deflator, wherein the propulsion meanscomprises a manifold and a first control valve which, upon opening, isconfigured to control the direction of the released gas from the gascapsule in the first direction towards the back of the cylinder, saidpiston thereby extending the deflator, and which comprises a secondcontrol valve which, upon opening, is configured to control thedirection of the released gas from the gas capsule in a second directiontowards the front of the cylinder, said piston thereby retracting thedeflator.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cylinder is positionedabove the deflator in longitudinal direction relatively to the directionof the deflator when extended, whereby the piston’s rod is connected toa central hinge of the deflator and configured for pushing the hingeforward and outward of the enclosure to extend the deflator, and wherebythe piston’s rod is configured for pulling the hinge back into theenclosure to retract the deflator.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second control valves are controlled by a control unitcomprised in the device.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the devicecomprises a propellant cartridge assembly configured for receiving thecompressed gas capsule, whereby the gas capsule comprises a replaceablecompressed gas capsule with a gas outlet connected to a pressureregulator which controllably leads the gas further to conduits leadingto the cylinder.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the gas capsule is acarbon dioxide capsule with carbon dioxide stored in a solid state, thecapsule being sealed by a seal, said seal configured for being puncturedby a puncture device in the propellant cartridge assembly.
 6. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the pressure of the release of the carbon dioxidefrom the capsule is regulated by a pressure reducing valve.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the pressure is adjustable from 0 bar to amaximum allowable system pressure by a controllable pressure reducingvalve.
 8. The device of claim 6, wherein the pressure is adjustable from5 to 10 bar by a controllable pressure reducing valve.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the pressure is stepless adjustable.
 10. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the pressure reducing valve is controlled by thecontrol unit.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the control unitcomprises a receiver configured for being controlled remotely by aremote control.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the control unitcomprises a Global Positioning System, GPS module configured fordetermining the geographic location of the device.
 13. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the control unit comprises modules of the groupcomprising: a counter for counting the number of expansions of thedeflator; a counter for counting the times that gas is released from thegas capsule; a counter for keeping track of successful and/orunsuccessful deflations of tires as detected by sensors in the deflator;a timer for counting the duration of the deflator in extended state atimer for counting the time of the device being in operation from thelast time of maintenance and/or replacement of the gas capsule. a memoryfor storing the counted data a software module for running softwareconfigured for processing the data. an image recognition moduleconfigured for recognizing the approach of a target vehicle.
 14. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a wireless communicationmodule configured for wirelessly communicating with an external systemconfigured for wireless communication.
 15. The device of claim 1,wherein the wireless communication module comprises a short-rangewireless communication module, such as a Bluetooth module.
 16. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the software is configured for constructing astatus of the device as processed from the data, whereby the statusand/or the data are communicated to the external system by the wirelesscommunication module, when a status change is detected which fulfills apredetermined condition.
 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the softwaremodule of the control unit comprises a mobile communication module forcommunicating over a cellular telecommunication network with a centralserver, whereby the software module is configured for being updated withnew software over the air via the cellular telecommunication network.18. The device of claim 16, wherein the control unit is configured forcommunicating the status via the mobile communication module to thecentral server, said status comprising any one of the group comprising:an operation status, such as duration of operation or number ofactuations; a failure status, such as a failure code or a failuredescription and severity or urgency level; a maintenance status, such asmaintenance required within a certain calculated period.
 19. The deviceof claim 14, wherein the external system is configured forsimultaneously communicating with multiple devices which are configuredaccording to the invention, whereby the multiple devices each comprisesa wireless communication module and are configured for receiving acommand for activation of the device.
 20. The device of claim 14,wherein the device is configured for being armed pending an activationcommand.